Before I entered the working world, I had a dream. To be the one who wears the crisp shirts or pantsuits. The professional/trendy/stylish/cool/polished looking one.
For some reason I love the look of crisp, well-fitted, button up, collared shirts with pants and a nice pair of heels. I'd love to have a closet full of shirts, neatly pressed, of course. So yeah, that's the annoying part. I have subjected myself to a life of ironing. The things we do to look good.
This weekend I did a little shopping at Nara Camicie. Not a bad store. I bought a (gasp!) red shirt with wide cuffs, that I could use cufflinks for. Maybe I should invest in some cufflinks. How masculine of me to like wearing shirts and pants. And the cufflinks part too. The heels, well, I guess that's different.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Milan again
As I promised myself, I went to Milan this past weekend. Yet again, I had a wonderful time. It was actually the first time I took off for the weekend on my own and stayed at a hotel by myself, which was quite exciting. I actually didn't get to stay at the same place as last time because it was full (I didn't pre-book). The new place was actually nicer than the last...it was cool to have my own hotel room. (I LOVE staying in hotels.)
I wasn't by myself the whole weekend, some friends happened to be in Milan the same weekend, so I met up with them for a bit. It was nice to be on my own, but also spend time with them, especially since they lived in Milan for a year, so they took me around to some neat places.
Things of note this time around:
1. Went to a football (read: soccer for all you North Americans) game. Inter Milan vs. Chievo. Apparently, one of the worse attended games ever. Too bad. The stadium was enormous. I was quite giddy, because it was just so impressive and the fanatics were really entertaining as well. The final score was 1-1, and I was actually disappointed with the post goal celebrations of the home team/crowd. Basically, there were none! I mean, if the fanatics spent the whole game singing and chanting, why wouldn't they go crazy when a goal was actually scored? I was confused. Favs of the experience, seeing the many riot police (and secretly hoping that something crazy would go down), hearing the fanatics warming up their lungs as we were approaching the stadium and seriously thinking that it was a recording being projected over the sound system and going up the "towers" to the seats. I hope to go to another crazier game soon!
2. Milan has recently gone smoke free indoors. This seems like a pretty big deal seeing that it's Europe, and smoking is more accepted in society. I won't complain though, because it really was nice to enjoy, for example, a smoke-free meal and not having to air out my clothes later that night. Although, walking on the streets and in the stadium I was back to holding my breath.
3. Bloor St./Yorkville will never be the same again. I spent some alone time wandering the Via Montenapoleone area. It's a lot bigger than what I experienced the first time I was there, making the Toronto equivalent just not as exciting as it used to be. It was strange to see multiple D&G's, Gucci's, Prada's, LV's, Armani's, etc etc ETC within a couple blocks. And they weren't little boutiques each. They were full out stores. There was an Armani superstore. It took up the entire block and was its own department store. I'd say it's the size of Holt's on Bloor. It contains Men's, Women's, Children's, Home, Eyewear...I could continue on. It was UNREAL. I had a "I can't believe my life" moment, which I haven't had in quite awhile. (I wonder why?) I mean, I was strolling through the streets of Milan, looking at designer stores...it actually made me wonder if I do want to return to Toronto at some point. Shocking, I know, because my plan has always been: return to Toronto to carry on my "normal" life. Anyway, I don't want to dwell on that subject now. There's no point. Back to the wonders of Via Montenapoleone. I was actually too scared to go into any stores in the area. On Bloor, I feel like (this is going to sound really really weird, but...) I'm a different person, or that I'm putting on an act. It's my release. My make-believe land. My happy place. I wasn't completely able to be like that this time in Milan, so I couldn't bring myself to go into any stores. Not a bad thing (I'm not good at explaining this), but just how it was at that moment in time. I was quite satisfied with looking through windows. Next time perhaps I go in. Oh, and it was incredible to see the designers that I'd only read about or seen on TV in person. Sigh, it was fab.
3. Milan could be my bag city. I've acquired another one. It's a pink, sequined monstrosity and I love it. Cronch, remember we saw it, but I didn't want to dish out the cash for it...well, I did this time (sale!). Mom and dad, it matches my belt exactly. It was actually quite a successful shopping weekend. Two pairs of shoes, the bag, a jacket, shirt, and errr...some other stuff.
4. Shopping is basically the reason I went right?!? Well, not completely, I mean I wanted to get away and stuff like that, but it just so happened that it's sale season. Sales are fab.
5. Some restaurants have "happy hour". This means, if you buy a drink (alky or non) you can visit the little appetizer buffet at the bar for free. Tapas bar I think it's called?!? In Italy it's fine, because people don't abuse it. They just take a couple snacks and that's it, but I could see restaurants in North America going bankrupt if they started the same thing.
6. I like using the metro (read: subway) system in different cities. I think I'm pretty good at figuring them out and I just like the fact that if you go the wrong way, who cares, just get off and then try again. I know lots of people who are so nervous to go on the wrong train and stuff, but what's the point of stressing? If you're in a rush, fine, but if not, it's just another experience if you go the wrong way.
This is getting long. My attention span is fading. I think that's all I want to say right now.
I wasn't by myself the whole weekend, some friends happened to be in Milan the same weekend, so I met up with them for a bit. It was nice to be on my own, but also spend time with them, especially since they lived in Milan for a year, so they took me around to some neat places.
Things of note this time around:
1. Went to a football (read: soccer for all you North Americans) game. Inter Milan vs. Chievo. Apparently, one of the worse attended games ever. Too bad. The stadium was enormous. I was quite giddy, because it was just so impressive and the fanatics were really entertaining as well. The final score was 1-1, and I was actually disappointed with the post goal celebrations of the home team/crowd. Basically, there were none! I mean, if the fanatics spent the whole game singing and chanting, why wouldn't they go crazy when a goal was actually scored? I was confused. Favs of the experience, seeing the many riot police (and secretly hoping that something crazy would go down), hearing the fanatics warming up their lungs as we were approaching the stadium and seriously thinking that it was a recording being projected over the sound system and going up the "towers" to the seats. I hope to go to another crazier game soon!
2. Milan has recently gone smoke free indoors. This seems like a pretty big deal seeing that it's Europe, and smoking is more accepted in society. I won't complain though, because it really was nice to enjoy, for example, a smoke-free meal and not having to air out my clothes later that night. Although, walking on the streets and in the stadium I was back to holding my breath.
3. Bloor St./Yorkville will never be the same again. I spent some alone time wandering the Via Montenapoleone area. It's a lot bigger than what I experienced the first time I was there, making the Toronto equivalent just not as exciting as it used to be. It was strange to see multiple D&G's, Gucci's, Prada's, LV's, Armani's, etc etc ETC within a couple blocks. And they weren't little boutiques each. They were full out stores. There was an Armani superstore. It took up the entire block and was its own department store. I'd say it's the size of Holt's on Bloor. It contains Men's, Women's, Children's, Home, Eyewear...I could continue on. It was UNREAL. I had a "I can't believe my life" moment, which I haven't had in quite awhile. (I wonder why?) I mean, I was strolling through the streets of Milan, looking at designer stores...it actually made me wonder if I do want to return to Toronto at some point. Shocking, I know, because my plan has always been: return to Toronto to carry on my "normal" life. Anyway, I don't want to dwell on that subject now. There's no point. Back to the wonders of Via Montenapoleone. I was actually too scared to go into any stores in the area. On Bloor, I feel like (this is going to sound really really weird, but...) I'm a different person, or that I'm putting on an act. It's my release. My make-believe land. My happy place. I wasn't completely able to be like that this time in Milan, so I couldn't bring myself to go into any stores. Not a bad thing (I'm not good at explaining this), but just how it was at that moment in time. I was quite satisfied with looking through windows. Next time perhaps I go in. Oh, and it was incredible to see the designers that I'd only read about or seen on TV in person. Sigh, it was fab.
3. Milan could be my bag city. I've acquired another one. It's a pink, sequined monstrosity and I love it. Cronch, remember we saw it, but I didn't want to dish out the cash for it...well, I did this time (sale!). Mom and dad, it matches my belt exactly. It was actually quite a successful shopping weekend. Two pairs of shoes, the bag, a jacket, shirt, and errr...some other stuff.
4. Shopping is basically the reason I went right?!? Well, not completely, I mean I wanted to get away and stuff like that, but it just so happened that it's sale season. Sales are fab.
5. Some restaurants have "happy hour". This means, if you buy a drink (alky or non) you can visit the little appetizer buffet at the bar for free. Tapas bar I think it's called?!? In Italy it's fine, because people don't abuse it. They just take a couple snacks and that's it, but I could see restaurants in North America going bankrupt if they started the same thing.
6. I like using the metro (read: subway) system in different cities. I think I'm pretty good at figuring them out and I just like the fact that if you go the wrong way, who cares, just get off and then try again. I know lots of people who are so nervous to go on the wrong train and stuff, but what's the point of stressing? If you're in a rush, fine, but if not, it's just another experience if you go the wrong way.
This is getting long. My attention span is fading. I think that's all I want to say right now.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
I said I wish I could sing
...so here's a little ditty for you:
"I'm going to Milano, gonna spend me a lotta Euros..."
Peaches/Euros...Tomayto/Tomahto...why can't we all get along?!?
Come to think of it, I never did write about my trip to Vienna. Maybe I'll do that after I get back from Milan.
"I'm going to Milano, gonna spend me a lotta Euros..."
Peaches/Euros...Tomayto/Tomahto...why can't we all get along?!?
Come to think of it, I never did write about my trip to Vienna. Maybe I'll do that after I get back from Milan.
I wish
...that I could be in a musical theatre show.
I just got back from a wonderful little performance. It was basically three British, but French speaking ladies singing French and English songs. But the way they did it was so funny, and just made me smile. It was a wonderful way to end a pretty stressful week for me. There was live piano accompaniment as well.
I was just a fabulous, relaxing and uplifting 1.5 hours of my life. It really made me smile. I haven't felt that ____ feeling that I got so often near the beginning of my adventure. That's not to say that I haven't been enjoying myself lately, I just haven't had that ____ feeling in awhile.
I just got back from a wonderful little performance. It was basically three British, but French speaking ladies singing French and English songs. But the way they did it was so funny, and just made me smile. It was a wonderful way to end a pretty stressful week for me. There was live piano accompaniment as well.
I was just a fabulous, relaxing and uplifting 1.5 hours of my life. It really made me smile. I haven't felt that ____ feeling that I got so often near the beginning of my adventure. That's not to say that I haven't been enjoying myself lately, I just haven't had that ____ feeling in awhile.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Yeehaw!!!
We've got Canadian snow!!!
Yesterday afternoon, at around 4:30pm is started snowing. Fluffy flakes. Continuously drifting downwards from the sky. It was fabulous.
And it kept snowing on and off until now!
I woke up this morning to a white, winter wonderland. It was like I was at home! A good 5cm stayed on the ground.
On the way to the bus stop (I admit it, I was skipping) I saw people brushing the snow off of their cars, people shoveling their driveways and city workers shoveling the streets.
While on the bus to work, I saw kids having a snowball fight at a local elementary school and dealt with the "winter bus smell" that's just so distinctive of a cold and wet outdoors.
Sigh. Canadian snow is great.
Yesterday afternoon, at around 4:30pm is started snowing. Fluffy flakes. Continuously drifting downwards from the sky. It was fabulous.
And it kept snowing on and off until now!
I woke up this morning to a white, winter wonderland. It was like I was at home! A good 5cm stayed on the ground.
On the way to the bus stop (I admit it, I was skipping) I saw people brushing the snow off of their cars, people shoveling their driveways and city workers shoveling the streets.
While on the bus to work, I saw kids having a snowball fight at a local elementary school and dealt with the "winter bus smell" that's just so distinctive of a cold and wet outdoors.
Sigh. Canadian snow is great.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Enough with the Uggs already!
One Ugg, two Ugg, black Ugg, blue Ugg.
...I forget the next line (and I've never seen a red Ugg before). Let me switch it up a bit.
Do you like Uggs here or there?
I DO NOT LIKE Uggs ANYWHERE!!!
I'm disappointed in Europeans. They have jumped on the Ugg bandwagon like there's no tomorrow. Uggs knockoffs are in full effect. There's a reason they're called Uggs. Because they're UGG-LY!!!
They just sound horrible.
Ugg.
They just sound slumpy.
Ugg.
They just sound frumpy...
UGG!
Argue all you want about comfort, but you're the same people who've embraced stilettos and pointy toes!!! Why start being comfortable now?!?
Oh, and is it even possible to walk in the things without dragging your feet?!? They make your feet look like ... oh, forget it! I refuse to spend more time writing about this matter.
...I forget the next line (and I've never seen a red Ugg before). Let me switch it up a bit.
Do you like Uggs here or there?
I DO NOT LIKE Uggs ANYWHERE!!!
I'm disappointed in Europeans. They have jumped on the Ugg bandwagon like there's no tomorrow. Uggs knockoffs are in full effect. There's a reason they're called Uggs. Because they're UGG-LY!!!
They just sound horrible.
Ugg.
They just sound slumpy.
Ugg.
They just sound frumpy...
UGG!
Argue all you want about comfort, but you're the same people who've embraced stilettos and pointy toes!!! Why start being comfortable now?!?
Oh, and is it even possible to walk in the things without dragging your feet?!? They make your feet look like ... oh, forget it! I refuse to spend more time writing about this matter.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Coupe Neuchateloise
This weekend was the Coupe Neuchateloise. A little invitational skating competition held in town. It was my first chance to judge since leaving Canada. Unfortunately, the year I don't think that I will "officially" be able to judge in Switzerland due to paperwork and stuff like that, but I was able to be the equivalent of a "trial judge" at the competition.
It was an interesting experience.
Quickly, on the judging front, it made me miss judging so much. I can't wait to really have my marks count. I mean, I'm glad that I got to at least trial, but it's just not the same thing. Still, I'm thankful. Oh, and Swiss judges have a different take on judging attire. In Canada we're told to dress warmly (of course), but professionally as well. I don't necessarily dress to the nines, but when on the stand, I feel I'm carrying out a job, and need to dress the part.
The Swiss dress to stay warm, from what it seems. Snowsuits are donned as are these things called "moon boots". No joke. I was in shock when it happened. Think blizzard attire. Quite a contrast from what I'm used to.
Luckily, everything else about the judging was the same, so I didn't feel too out of place.
The competition was cute. Small and drew some local skating clubs. Lots of enthusiasm in the stands and club spirit was great. Each skater was cheered for and after each program, the ice was showered with flowers and other gifts (at one point a bag of candy that was thrown onto the ice exploded and the skater had to pick up all of the individual gumballs that rolled around the rink). The awards presentation was great as well. The medallists didn't actually get medals, but little trophies. On top of that, they each got a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a certificate and a bottle of lotion?!? I guess instead of giving all participants a little thing when they sign-in for the competition, the Swiss load on the gifts at the end. They stand on the podium and the head judge for the event and the president of the host club makes the presentations. Pictures are taken and then the remaining participants are called in order of placement (oh, I forgot to say that the results aren't posted, but are announced during the presentations...so everyone in the competition is standing on the ice hoping that they will get called - hmmm...similar to OUA's?!?). All competitors as they are called with their placing stand beside the podium (in order) after shaking the hand of the top three or doing the three kisses thing. Even the little ones! How different from Canada! Great sportsmanship! Then the judge and president again present trophies, certificates and lotion (but no flowers) to all participants. SO different from home! The kicker. After the final applause, all of the participants take a victory lap around the rink!
All of this hoopla happens for every single event. From tiny tykes, to the big kids.
Makes it more encouraging to compete...you get a big deal made about you even if you come last.
I'm already looking forward to the next competition!
It was an interesting experience.
Quickly, on the judging front, it made me miss judging so much. I can't wait to really have my marks count. I mean, I'm glad that I got to at least trial, but it's just not the same thing. Still, I'm thankful. Oh, and Swiss judges have a different take on judging attire. In Canada we're told to dress warmly (of course), but professionally as well. I don't necessarily dress to the nines, but when on the stand, I feel I'm carrying out a job, and need to dress the part.
The Swiss dress to stay warm, from what it seems. Snowsuits are donned as are these things called "moon boots". No joke. I was in shock when it happened. Think blizzard attire. Quite a contrast from what I'm used to.
Luckily, everything else about the judging was the same, so I didn't feel too out of place.
The competition was cute. Small and drew some local skating clubs. Lots of enthusiasm in the stands and club spirit was great. Each skater was cheered for and after each program, the ice was showered with flowers and other gifts (at one point a bag of candy that was thrown onto the ice exploded and the skater had to pick up all of the individual gumballs that rolled around the rink). The awards presentation was great as well. The medallists didn't actually get medals, but little trophies. On top of that, they each got a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a certificate and a bottle of lotion?!? I guess instead of giving all participants a little thing when they sign-in for the competition, the Swiss load on the gifts at the end. They stand on the podium and the head judge for the event and the president of the host club makes the presentations. Pictures are taken and then the remaining participants are called in order of placement (oh, I forgot to say that the results aren't posted, but are announced during the presentations...so everyone in the competition is standing on the ice hoping that they will get called - hmmm...similar to OUA's?!?). All competitors as they are called with their placing stand beside the podium (in order) after shaking the hand of the top three or doing the three kisses thing. Even the little ones! How different from Canada! Great sportsmanship! Then the judge and president again present trophies, certificates and lotion (but no flowers) to all participants. SO different from home! The kicker. After the final applause, all of the participants take a victory lap around the rink!
All of this hoopla happens for every single event. From tiny tykes, to the big kids.
Makes it more encouraging to compete...you get a big deal made about you even if you come last.
I'm already looking forward to the next competition!
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
I'm going to the Prix!
It's official! I just got off the phone with the Prix de Lausanne folks whom I've purchased tickets for the semis and finals from. I'm SO excited!
Darn the fact that most of the seats were sold to "Friends of the Prix". So slim pickins. Sigh. Still, I guess I shouldn't complain eh?
I'm also excited that I had a good half hour conversation in French with the Prix people. Discussions not just about seats, but other things too...in French!
My French comes in waves. Some days I just ramble eloquently (well, not really), and on other days, I just can't seem to find the words. I'm still proud of myself.
Dad: I have yet to call "you know who", but I will this weekend, I promise.
Darn the fact that most of the seats were sold to "Friends of the Prix". So slim pickins. Sigh. Still, I guess I shouldn't complain eh?
I'm also excited that I had a good half hour conversation in French with the Prix people. Discussions not just about seats, but other things too...in French!
My French comes in waves. Some days I just ramble eloquently (well, not really), and on other days, I just can't seem to find the words. I'm still proud of myself.
Dad: I have yet to call "you know who", but I will this weekend, I promise.
Monday, January 10, 2005
One of these things is not like the other...
Downhill skiing
Tennis
Boxing
Football (err, soccer for the North American folk)
Speed skating
OR
Sumo wrestling
...
Actually, it's speed skating. The rest are part of the regular lineup on the EuroSport channel on TV. Who knew some of those sports were so popular here in Europe...ummm...especially SUMO?!?
Tennis
Boxing
Football (err, soccer for the North American folk)
Speed skating
OR
Sumo wrestling
...
Actually, it's speed skating. The rest are part of the regular lineup on the EuroSport channel on TV. Who knew some of those sports were so popular here in Europe...ummm...especially SUMO?!?
Saturday, January 08, 2005
When in Neuch and needing a Canadian fix
I've been craving chicken. Chicken wings. I've been able to indulge twice since being here. In two places you would never imagine being satisfied with chicken wings at.
1. McDonald's
2. Vienna
Yes, I know.
Thing is, chicken's not really the meat of choice here. In Canada it seemed like chicken was the staple meat. If you go to a big catered meal, chicken's going to be featured on the non-vegetarian entree. Here it's a little different. I'm all pork and beefed out.
Seafood's as common as it is in Canada (always a couple choices on menus), but to fill in the chicken void, there's a good mix of duck, rabbit and horse.
I enjoy duck. It's tasty.
Rabbit and horse I actually tried on the first day we went to the caf. I had horse stew and tried a little bit of a friend's rabbit. I haven't had either since. I'm willing to try most things, and they were both edible, but since there are other options always available to me, like I said, I haven't had either again. They just aren't as tasty.
Horse was a really tough beef-like meat. But with a different taste (no, it didn't taste like chicken).
Rabbit was sort of duck like in consistency, but with a different taste again.
Oh yeah, the Canadian connection. The horse they serve here is from Canada. Giddy up!
1. McDonald's
2. Vienna
Yes, I know.
Thing is, chicken's not really the meat of choice here. In Canada it seemed like chicken was the staple meat. If you go to a big catered meal, chicken's going to be featured on the non-vegetarian entree. Here it's a little different. I'm all pork and beefed out.
Seafood's as common as it is in Canada (always a couple choices on menus), but to fill in the chicken void, there's a good mix of duck, rabbit and horse.
I enjoy duck. It's tasty.
Rabbit and horse I actually tried on the first day we went to the caf. I had horse stew and tried a little bit of a friend's rabbit. I haven't had either since. I'm willing to try most things, and they were both edible, but since there are other options always available to me, like I said, I haven't had either again. They just aren't as tasty.
Horse was a really tough beef-like meat. But with a different taste (no, it didn't taste like chicken).
Rabbit was sort of duck like in consistency, but with a different taste again.
Oh yeah, the Canadian connection. The horse they serve here is from Canada. Giddy up!
Thursday, January 06, 2005
A thought
Will I really be doing the same thing for the next 42 years of my life?
It doesn't seem possible. I thrive on change and pushing myself to the next challenge. What is my next move?
42 years is a long time.
It doesn't seem possible. I thrive on change and pushing myself to the next challenge. What is my next move?
42 years is a long time.
...
On Wednesday, January 5th, 2005 at 12 noon, Europe held 3 minutes of silence for the victims of the Tsunami Disaster in Asia.
Since the earthquake, I've tried to figure out if or how I would address this issue on my blog. I am still no closer to the answer, except that my fingers seem to be typing something at this very moment.
Do what you think best for yourself in this situation. Everyone has their own way of dealing with an event like this, and for some reason, I do not feel like listing possibilities or anything like that in this forum. I think that's for you to decide what to make of everything.
I've never been really good at realising the enormous effect/affect something like this has, especially when it doesn't directly effect me. I know of ~35 people (personally) that were in Thailand during the holidays who were luckily no in harm's danger, but did have to alter some of their plans and have heard talked to people who know of people in area who still aren't accounted for, but somehow in my genetic makeup I remain the same.
Still, I know I don't need to say it (because you'll do whatever you want), but..ummm...do whatever you want.
Since the earthquake, I've tried to figure out if or how I would address this issue on my blog. I am still no closer to the answer, except that my fingers seem to be typing something at this very moment.
Do what you think best for yourself in this situation. Everyone has their own way of dealing with an event like this, and for some reason, I do not feel like listing possibilities or anything like that in this forum. I think that's for you to decide what to make of everything.
I've never been really good at realising the enormous effect/affect something like this has, especially when it doesn't directly effect me. I know of ~35 people (personally) that were in Thailand during the holidays who were luckily no in harm's danger, but did have to alter some of their plans and have heard talked to people who know of people in area who still aren't accounted for, but somehow in my genetic makeup I remain the same.
Still, I know I don't need to say it (because you'll do whatever you want), but..ummm...do whatever you want.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
By request...
Taken from some quick research
************
Global Good Luck Traditions for New Year's:
...here's a look at a good luck ritual from one part of the world. It is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.
AUSTRIA - The suckling pig is the symbol for good luck for the new year. It's served on a table decorated with tiny edible pigs. Dessert often consists of green peppermint ice cream in the shape of a four-leaf clover.
************
aaah. It all makes sense.
************
Global Good Luck Traditions for New Year's:
...here's a look at a good luck ritual from one part of the world. It is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.
AUSTRIA - The suckling pig is the symbol for good luck for the new year. It's served on a table decorated with tiny edible pigs. Dessert often consists of green peppermint ice cream in the shape of a four-leaf clover.
************
aaah. It all makes sense.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Happy holidays
I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful holiday! Have fun, be safe and live up the fact that you're alive!
I'll be heading to Vienna for a couple of days, so I won't be posting for the next little while (my posts have started to become more sporatic anyhow).
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
I'll be heading to Vienna for a couple of days, so I won't be posting for the next little while (my posts have started to become more sporatic anyhow).
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Loner and loving it
I am first to admit that I'm a loner. And I love it!
Sure, I love my quality time with friends and family, but sometimes it's just such a wonderful feeling to be on your own doing whatever you want to be doing, whether it be taking in the world, or just staying warm under a blanket in front of the TV.
This past Sunday night, after the Cirque Eloize, I dined out alone.
I have been waiting for the perfect moment to do this, and it just worked out that it would happen that night.
Some of you may think this is not a big deal, but I was anxious about this. It's the whole, "worrying about what people think of you" thing.
I wanted to conquer this fear. why should I care what people think? I'm enjoying good food and the company of...myself.
Now, when dining alone, you need to be prepared. I had thought the whole meal through, go to a familiar restaurant that I enjoyed, where I knew the menu and the ambiance and bring a bag full of tricks.
My pick, Brasserie du Theatre of course. I love this restaurant for so many reasons. The location, the feel, the food, the staff.
I picked a table sort of in a corner, where I'd have a great view of the rest of the restaurant (I'm a people watcher...plus, I wouldn't have anyone across from me to stare at).
I ordered, felt pretty good about myself, and let my mind wander. I did pretty good until my soup arrived. It was really hot, so I let it sit for a bit, and I started daydreaming again, but I was little bored of daydreaming. I'd already judged everyone in the restaurant (okay, I admit it, I sometimes judge people just by looking at them...what else am I to do? I'm getting a little bored.) so what else could I busy myself with?
Out comes the bag of tricks. I think...do I want the book? The magazine? Ah yes, I'll pick the marking. Marking's actually really fun for me. And you've got to do it sometime, so why not while you're waiting for soup to cool?
The rest of the meal went splendidly. I ate good food (moules were extremely salty for some reason that night...not a good thing) and enjoyed my chocolate Viennois. And I finished some marking, felt very comfortable dining alone.
[Sidebar: Along with moules & frites being my main course which I sample at each restaurant, I've also added chocolate Viennois to my arsenal. Do date, Brasserie du Theatre has the best moules - although, as I've said the cook seems to be making them more salty as of late - and a cafe in Bruges, Belgium that I can't recall the name has the best chocolate Viennois - tasted like they'd taken a piece of chocolate and just melted it in a cup for me.]
It was a lovely experience. One that I would like to have again soon. Therapeutic isn't the right word, but often when I'm doing stuff on my own, a really great feeling washes over me. I can't really describe it.
I've also noticed that many people here in Europe dine out alone. I mean, for some reason I remember ever seen people eating alone in restaurants in Canada, but maybe that's because I never noticed. I just don't think it's as widely accepted that people eat out alone in Canada, but here, it's not that big of a deal.
I've decided that I'm going to find a restaurant or cafe to become a regular at. Brasserie du Theatre and Cafe Floridita are both high on the list right now. I'm going to go there quite often to have a lovely evening where I can have some down time, watching the world and people go by as I enjoy the company of myself. It'll also be a nice place to do my marking (which is often therapeutic as well).
Sure, I love my quality time with friends and family, but sometimes it's just such a wonderful feeling to be on your own doing whatever you want to be doing, whether it be taking in the world, or just staying warm under a blanket in front of the TV.
This past Sunday night, after the Cirque Eloize, I dined out alone.
I have been waiting for the perfect moment to do this, and it just worked out that it would happen that night.
Some of you may think this is not a big deal, but I was anxious about this. It's the whole, "worrying about what people think of you" thing.
I wanted to conquer this fear. why should I care what people think? I'm enjoying good food and the company of...myself.
Now, when dining alone, you need to be prepared. I had thought the whole meal through, go to a familiar restaurant that I enjoyed, where I knew the menu and the ambiance and bring a bag full of tricks.
My pick, Brasserie du Theatre of course. I love this restaurant for so many reasons. The location, the feel, the food, the staff.
I picked a table sort of in a corner, where I'd have a great view of the rest of the restaurant (I'm a people watcher...plus, I wouldn't have anyone across from me to stare at).
I ordered, felt pretty good about myself, and let my mind wander. I did pretty good until my soup arrived. It was really hot, so I let it sit for a bit, and I started daydreaming again, but I was little bored of daydreaming. I'd already judged everyone in the restaurant (okay, I admit it, I sometimes judge people just by looking at them...what else am I to do? I'm getting a little bored.) so what else could I busy myself with?
Out comes the bag of tricks. I think...do I want the book? The magazine? Ah yes, I'll pick the marking. Marking's actually really fun for me. And you've got to do it sometime, so why not while you're waiting for soup to cool?
The rest of the meal went splendidly. I ate good food (moules were extremely salty for some reason that night...not a good thing) and enjoyed my chocolate Viennois. And I finished some marking, felt very comfortable dining alone.
[Sidebar: Along with moules & frites being my main course which I sample at each restaurant, I've also added chocolate Viennois to my arsenal. Do date, Brasserie du Theatre has the best moules - although, as I've said the cook seems to be making them more salty as of late - and a cafe in Bruges, Belgium that I can't recall the name has the best chocolate Viennois - tasted like they'd taken a piece of chocolate and just melted it in a cup for me.]
It was a lovely experience. One that I would like to have again soon. Therapeutic isn't the right word, but often when I'm doing stuff on my own, a really great feeling washes over me. I can't really describe it.
I've also noticed that many people here in Europe dine out alone. I mean, for some reason I remember ever seen people eating alone in restaurants in Canada, but maybe that's because I never noticed. I just don't think it's as widely accepted that people eat out alone in Canada, but here, it's not that big of a deal.
I've decided that I'm going to find a restaurant or cafe to become a regular at. Brasserie du Theatre and Cafe Floridita are both high on the list right now. I'm going to go there quite often to have a lovely evening where I can have some down time, watching the world and people go by as I enjoy the company of myself. It'll also be a nice place to do my marking (which is often therapeutic as well).
Ocean's Twelve
I saw Ocean's Twelve Tuesday night.
It was my first trip to the cinema here in Europe. First of all, it cost 15CHF. The seats in the theatre were really cushy though, so I guess I can't complain too much. And I think they're around the same price in Toronto at those huge theatres right? Oh, and the price was what is was because I got a ground seat (vs. balcony), I didn't pay enough attention to see how much balcony seats cost. Less I suspect.
Most of ads and previews were in French, a couple were in English with German and French subtitles.
The movie was in English with subtitles (German and French). It was a little bit distracting actually, because I'd start reading the French subtitles and miss out on the action that was going on in the background, or else, I was listening to the track and feel like there was always something blocking the bottom half of the screen (duh...the subtitles?!?). I noticed that anytime Yen talked, there were no subtitles for him. Good thing I understood what he was saying. But I guess that's the point right? They don't have English subtitles for him usually, so why would they have German or French?
Another thing they've got here in Europe is an intermission. It was quite ghetto actually, part way through, not necessarily at a good breaking point, the film went wonky and the curtains closed and lights came on. They literally pressed stop on the film reel. It did the old school flickery picture thing. A short smoke break. It's Europe remember? Afterwards, they just pressed play again. It was a little weird actually. Like you had to remind yourself what happened before the intermission, so for the first 5 minutes, you weren't completely paying attention to the movie but just trying to understand what was going on and get back into zoned out movie-watching mode.
I guess because it was a movie with so many big names and stuff, I was expecting it to be really flashy like the first one, so I was a little surprised that it wasn't. I personally would have liked it to be flashy, but whatever.
Anyway, I'm not here to ruin the movie for you, but I didn't like it that much. I didn't really look at my watch to time it or anything, but I've say that I predicted the whole final third of the movie. I don't always like that. For Hollywood lovey-dovey movies yes, you need a happy ending, but you're not supposed to be able to predict what's going to happen in a heist/thief/whatever-you-want-to-call-it thing. Just my beef.
It was okay though...I guess.
Any thoughts from others who've seen it?
It was my first trip to the cinema here in Europe. First of all, it cost 15CHF. The seats in the theatre were really cushy though, so I guess I can't complain too much. And I think they're around the same price in Toronto at those huge theatres right? Oh, and the price was what is was because I got a ground seat (vs. balcony), I didn't pay enough attention to see how much balcony seats cost. Less I suspect.
Most of ads and previews were in French, a couple were in English with German and French subtitles.
The movie was in English with subtitles (German and French). It was a little bit distracting actually, because I'd start reading the French subtitles and miss out on the action that was going on in the background, or else, I was listening to the track and feel like there was always something blocking the bottom half of the screen (duh...the subtitles?!?). I noticed that anytime Yen talked, there were no subtitles for him. Good thing I understood what he was saying. But I guess that's the point right? They don't have English subtitles for him usually, so why would they have German or French?
Another thing they've got here in Europe is an intermission. It was quite ghetto actually, part way through, not necessarily at a good breaking point, the film went wonky and the curtains closed and lights came on. They literally pressed stop on the film reel. It did the old school flickery picture thing. A short smoke break. It's Europe remember? Afterwards, they just pressed play again. It was a little weird actually. Like you had to remind yourself what happened before the intermission, so for the first 5 minutes, you weren't completely paying attention to the movie but just trying to understand what was going on and get back into zoned out movie-watching mode.
I guess because it was a movie with so many big names and stuff, I was expecting it to be really flashy like the first one, so I was a little surprised that it wasn't. I personally would have liked it to be flashy, but whatever.
Anyway, I'm not here to ruin the movie for you, but I didn't like it that much. I didn't really look at my watch to time it or anything, but I've say that I predicted the whole final third of the movie. I don't always like that. For Hollywood lovey-dovey movies yes, you need a happy ending, but you're not supposed to be able to predict what's going to happen in a heist/thief/whatever-you-want-to-call-it thing. Just my beef.
It was okay though...I guess.
Any thoughts from others who've seen it?
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Blackberry sighting
On Friday, December 17th, I spotted my first Blackberry in Europe. It was across the bus from me on my way downtown. Dark blue in colour.
Monday, December 20, 2004
Cirque Eloize
Last night, I went to Lausanne to see Nomade by Cirque Eloize.
You can visit their website yourself to find out more info, but in a nutshell, it's a performing company founded in Quebec that's quite similar in style to the more famous company, Cirque du Soleil.
Since I'd heard such rave review about the show and it's similarity to Cirque du Soleil, I was expecting something fabulous. I guess it was. Now don't get me wrong, it was wonderful, but I'm the type who'll get my expectations up SO high and then be overly critical about something. I think that since I'd also seen all of the Cirque du Soleil shows on TV, I'd seen all of the acts that were performed (or at least one that were very similar). The venue was also quite small, and our seats didn't bode well for the acts that were in the air, so that put a damper on some of it.
Honestly though, it was amazing. A little less theatrical and colourful than what I imagine Cirque du Soleil is like live, but I think that went with it's theme. Lots of muted colours and somber tones. A little bit "modern" in style, that some people I was with didn't really get it. It was still very impressive, and next time I know that I'm going to dish out the big bucks for better seats.
Speaking of big bucks, it wasn't too pricey at all. I mean, that's the thing with this company. I guess because they're not too huge (yet), their tickets are quite reasonably priced. So if you like to see Cirque du Soleil type shows without dishing out the cash, I would highly recommend Cirque Eloize. I'd recommend it either way, because it was a good show and it's Canadian.
In a strange way, watching the show made me miss cheerleading. At least the stunting part. (You know the acrobatic stuff that is often in those shows.) It's a LOT of fun being tossed in the air and standing on top of people who are holding you in mid air.
I also enjoyed the little comedic interludes to give the performers (14 members in the troupe + 4 musicians) a little bit of a break and to set up for the next act. At first they were a little distracting, but I really grew to appreciate their humour.
Anyway, message that you should get out of this post, become interested in Cirque Eloize.
You can visit their website yourself to find out more info, but in a nutshell, it's a performing company founded in Quebec that's quite similar in style to the more famous company, Cirque du Soleil.
Since I'd heard such rave review about the show and it's similarity to Cirque du Soleil, I was expecting something fabulous. I guess it was. Now don't get me wrong, it was wonderful, but I'm the type who'll get my expectations up SO high and then be overly critical about something. I think that since I'd also seen all of the Cirque du Soleil shows on TV, I'd seen all of the acts that were performed (or at least one that were very similar). The venue was also quite small, and our seats didn't bode well for the acts that were in the air, so that put a damper on some of it.
Honestly though, it was amazing. A little less theatrical and colourful than what I imagine Cirque du Soleil is like live, but I think that went with it's theme. Lots of muted colours and somber tones. A little bit "modern" in style, that some people I was with didn't really get it. It was still very impressive, and next time I know that I'm going to dish out the big bucks for better seats.
Speaking of big bucks, it wasn't too pricey at all. I mean, that's the thing with this company. I guess because they're not too huge (yet), their tickets are quite reasonably priced. So if you like to see Cirque du Soleil type shows without dishing out the cash, I would highly recommend Cirque Eloize. I'd recommend it either way, because it was a good show and it's Canadian.
In a strange way, watching the show made me miss cheerleading. At least the stunting part. (You know the acrobatic stuff that is often in those shows.) It's a LOT of fun being tossed in the air and standing on top of people who are holding you in mid air.
I also enjoyed the little comedic interludes to give the performers (14 members in the troupe + 4 musicians) a little bit of a break and to set up for the next act. At first they were a little distracting, but I really grew to appreciate their humour.
Anyway, message that you should get out of this post, become interested in Cirque Eloize.
Reference letters
A BIG thank-you goes out to all those who have written reference letters for me in the past (or for anyone for that matter). You've put in a serious amount of time trying to make someone else's life better.
I have now joined your ranks. I finished writing my first reference letter today. It was quite the experience.
I have now joined your ranks. I finished writing my first reference letter today. It was quite the experience.
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Memorizing music and the holidays
I have often mentioned that I am enamored by holiday lights and sparkly things. This phenomenon has actually led to my ability to memorize pieces of music during my youth.
Let me explain.
The room in my house that I practice the piano in is also where we put our Christmas tree. December/January was prime time for when I was to be memorizing pieces for competitions or other events and so, what I'd do was, play my pieces while my head was turned to the left so that I could stare at the shining tree. Obviously if I had my head turned to the left and looking at the tree, I wasn't able to look at the score so I ended up being forced to memorize my pieces.
True story.
Let me explain.
The room in my house that I practice the piano in is also where we put our Christmas tree. December/January was prime time for when I was to be memorizing pieces for competitions or other events and so, what I'd do was, play my pieces while my head was turned to the left so that I could stare at the shining tree. Obviously if I had my head turned to the left and looking at the tree, I wasn't able to look at the score so I ended up being forced to memorize my pieces.
True story.
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